Yes, you can file your Minnesota property tax refund online through the Minnesota Department of Revenue
Minnesota homeowners and renters can file for a property tax refund using the Property Tax Refund form (M1PR), and the Minnesota Department of Revenue accepts online filing through its website. You do not need to mail a paper form or visit an office in person. The online filing system is available year-round, though the deadline to file is typically August 15 of the year following the tax year in question.
The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you have your documents ready. You will need your Social Security number, the property address, the property tax amount you paid, and information about your household income for the tax year. The state processes online submissions and mails refund checks to the address on file, usually within 4 to 6 weeks of approval.
Key Takeaways
- File the Property Tax Refund form (M1PR) online at the Minnesota Department of Revenue website; paper filing is also an option but takes longer to process.
- You must file by August 15 of the year after the tax year in which you paid the property tax to be considered for that year's refund.
- Have your Social Security number, property address, total property tax paid, and household income information ready before you start the online form.
- Refunds are mailed by check to the address you provide on the form, and processing typically takes 4 to 6 weeks after the state approves your filing.
- Renters filing for rent paid as property tax use the same form and process, but must provide proof of rent paid and household income.
Where to file online and what you need
Go to the Minnesota Department of Revenue website and look for the Property Tax Refund section. The state offers an online filing portal where you enter your information directly into a secure form. You can also download the M1PR form and mail it, but online filing moves faster through the system.
Before you start, gather these documents: your Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you do not have an SSN), the full address of the property for which you paid tax, the total amount of property tax you paid during the tax year, and your household's total income for that year. If you are a renter filing for rent paid, you will also need a signed statement from your landlord or a lease showing the rent amount, or a property tax bill showing the landlord's name and address.
The online form walks you through each section and shows you which fields are required. You can save your progress and return to finish later if you need to find a document. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number—keep this for your records.
Income limits and refund amounts
Minnesota property tax refunds are only for households with income below a certain threshold. The income limit changes each year and depends on whether you are a homeowner or renter. For the 2023 tax year, the limit was around $93,000 for most households, but this varies. Check the current year's limit on the Department of Revenue website before you file.
The refund amount is not a flat payment. The state calculates it based on how much property tax you paid relative to your household income. Households with lower income receive larger refunds. The state publishes a refund table each year showing the relationship between income and the refund percentage. If your income is above the limit, you will not receive a refund, but filing does not hurt—the state simply denies the request.
Timeline from filing to receiving your check
Online submissions are processed faster than mailed forms. After you file online, the state typically sends you a notice within 2 to 3 weeks confirming receipt and whether your filing is approved or needs more information. If approved, the refund check is mailed 1 to 3 weeks after approval, so total time from filing to receiving your check is usually 4 to 6 weeks.
If the state needs more information—for example, proof of rent paid or clarification on your income—they will mail you a letter explaining what is missing. You then have a set time to respond. This delays the process by several weeks. Providing complete information the first time you file prevents this delay.
Refunds are mailed to the address you enter on the form, not deposited directly to a bank account. If you move after filing, contact the Department of Revenue with your new address so the check reaches you.
What to do if your filing is denied or incomplete
If the state denies your filing, they will send a letter explaining why. Common reasons include income above the limit, property tax amount that does not match public records, or missing documentation for renters. You can file an appeal or resubmit with corrected information, but you must do so before the August 15 deadline of the following year.
If you receive a letter asking for more information, respond as quickly as possible. The state gives you a deadline—usually 30 days—to send the missing documents. Mail them to the address on the letter or upload them through the online portal if that option is available. Missing the deadline can result in denial of your refund for that year.
Renters filing for rent paid as property tax
Renters in Minnesota can file for a refund based on rent paid, because rent is considered a form of property tax passed through to tenants. You use the same M1PR form and file online the same way. The difference is in the documentation you need: you must show proof that you paid rent and that the property was your primary residence.
Proof of rent can be a signed statement from your landlord on their letterhead, a copy of your lease showing the monthly rent amount, or a property tax bill showing the landlord's name and the property address. If your landlord will not provide a statement, a lease alone is usually enough. The state calculates your refund based on the total rent you paid during the year and your household income.
Tracking your refund status online
The Minnesota Department of Revenue does not offer a real-time tracking system for property tax refunds the way the IRS tracks income tax refunds. However, you can contact the Department of Revenue by phone or email with your confirmation number to ask about the status of your filing. Keep the confirmation number you receive when you submit your form online.
If you filed more than 6 weeks ago and have not received your check, contact the department. Checks can be delayed by mail, or your filing may need additional review. The department can tell you whether your check was mailed and when, or whether your filing is still being processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline to file for a property tax refund?
The deadline is August 15 of the year following the tax year in which you paid the property tax. For example, to file for property tax paid in 2023, you must file by August 15, 2024. Filing after this date disqualifies you for that year's refund.
Can I file online if I do not have a computer or internet access?
Yes. You can download the M1PR form from the Department of Revenue website and mail it, or call the department to request a paper form by mail. Mailed forms take longer to process—usually 8 to 10 weeks instead of 4 to 6 weeks—but the refund amount is the same.
What if I paid property tax on more than one property?
You can only file one refund per household per year, even if you own multiple properties. File for the property that was your primary residence during the tax year. If you owned multiple primary residences at different times during the year, contact the Department of Revenue for guidance on which property to report.
Do I need to file a Minnesota state income tax return to get a property tax refund?
No. The property tax refund is separate from your income tax return. You can file for a property tax refund even if you do not file an income tax return, as long as your household income is below the limit and you meet the other requirements.
Will filing for a property tax refund affect my other benefits or taxes?
Filing for a property tax refund does not affect your federal income tax, Social Security benefits, or other state benefits. The refund is based only on property tax paid and household income for that specific year.